An Aesop’s Fable
Once upon a time, there was a Bull who lived in a large and green field. He was very strong and brave. He grazed and moved around freely, enjoying the cool breeze that blew through the fields and the sun’s warm rays.
One day, when it started to rain on a stormy afternoon, the bull went looking for a safe place to stay dry and warm. He found a cave on the side of a nearby hill which was the abode of some goatherds.
The Bull went inside to have a shelter from the raindrops pouring from the darkened sky. There were many goats bleating there and the cave had a musty smell. As the aim of the Bull was get away from the rain the presence of the goats didn’t annoy him. But one mischievous goat with sharp horns who had ill intentions wanted to show his supremacy in the cave.
He attacked the Bull with it’s sharp horns hurting him. At the same time a Lion came to the mouth of the cave and was waiting there. The sudden attack of the goat scared the Bull a little, but he ignored the constant hornbutting of the goat.
The Bull said to the goat, “Do not mistake my restraint for timidity.” “When the lion finally retreats, I shall teach you a lesson that shall forever remain within your memory.” When the goat saw how determined the Bull was, it felt a little remorseful that it had taken advantage of another animal’s weakness.
So, while the storm outside raged incessantly, the Bull and the goat made a peace agreement. The Bull reiterated that taking advantage of someone’s helplessness was both ethically wrong and wicked.
It is through kindness and understanding, compassion and empathy rather than taking advantage of someone’s weakness that we find the true strength of character and build long lasting friendships with others.
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